Pilates studio plans Oct. 9 fund-raiser

Wendy Puckett hopes to inspire young athletes through Pilates, but this fall she also hopes to reward young athletes who inspire others through competition.

The Steamboat Pilates & Fitness Studio, 1104 Lincoln Ave., No. 103, will hold an all-day fund-raiser Oct. 9 to benefit a pair of athletes (one female, and one male) from the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Puckett is hoping the event, Pilates-a-thon, will draw people to the method of Pilates while providing financial backing for young skiers or snowboarders to pursue their goals.

"It should be a win-win situation for everyone," Puckett said. "It's a chance for people to learn what Pilates is while supporting a good cause."

The studio will offer a wide range of classes beginning at 7:30 a.m. and running until 5 p.m. The money raised from the classes will be donated to two athletes from the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, who will be selected by program directors after the completion of dry-land training this fall. The athletes will be selected based on their ability to inspire other coaches and athletes through their dedication, hard work and love for the winter sport they are pursuing, whether it's Alpine, freestyle of Nordic skiing, or snowboarding.

'This group has supported the Winter Sports Club since moving to Steamboat Springs a few years ago," said Rick DeVos, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club executive director. "They offer free training for some of our athletes, and now they are holding this event to support them financially. It's been a great relationship from the start."

For $8, anyone interested can participate in a one-hour mat class Oct. 9 at the studio.

The studio also will offer reformer (which uses machines) classes for $15 and children's sessions for $5. Massages also will be offered at a rate of $20 per half hour.

Employees at Steamboat Pilates will donate their time and knowledge to help raise money.

Puckett said participants should just show up for the mat classes, which will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. However, anyone interested in the reformer or children's sessions should call the studio in advance to make a reservation.

"Pilates is a method that strengthens and lengthens muscles. It helps develop strength in deep core muscles that are often overlooked," Puckett said.

Since the studio opened in Steamboat, it has hosted elite athletes such as Todd Lodwick and Caroline Lalive. Puckett said the studio also has worked with a number of high school athletes including many from the football, volleyball and track teams.

Puckett hopes this event will help strengthen an already strong relationship the studio has been forming with the club.

But Puckett said this year's Pilates-a-thon is not aimed at just elite athletes. The studio will offer 13 classes ranging from introductory mat class to ski conditioning on the reformer.

Because the event is a fund-raiser, regular punch cards will not be valid on this day. For more information, or to sign up for massages, reformer and children's classes, call the studio at 879-6788.